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McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Andrew Nabors – February 01, 2021

Ford Bronco Debuts At King Of The Hammers

One of the most brutal off-road events starts tomorrow. Three examples of the Ford Bronco have debuted at King Of The Hammers, and the trio aims to conquer Johnson Valley, California. The ULTRA4 4400 unlimited class allows them to use long-travel suspension and a tubular chassis. Inspired by the Bronco R concept, this marks the return of the Bronco to FIA-sanctioned racing. Led by Vaughn Gittin Jr, the drivers are a who's who of off-road winners. Before the start of the main events, a new Bronco model will be unveiled to the world. The 2-door and 4-door examples are available to order at your dealer, so tell us how these compare to the Hoonicorn Mustang price & specs! Browse Ford For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – January 25, 2021

Three Generations Of Ford GT For Sale

Don't be fooled by what you see on the silver screen. Ford did not build the GT as a reaction to competitors. Instead, it was and is a statement to the world. As such, every few decades the brass in Dearborn pulls together the best blue oval designers, engineers, and drivers. Their efforts have resulted in three generations of Ford GT for sale, so don't miss this opportunity. 1966 Ford GT :: $135,000 1966 GT40 Mk1, built 2004 by GT40 North America, titled Arizona 2004 as a 1966, titled 2011 as a “Special Construction”. Eric Broadley of Lola, the original designer of GT40 Mk1, son Andrew Broadley GT40 North America built an estimated 12 GT40 Mk1 Replica’s in 2004, with the first few cars exceeding $200K plus! This is not a kit car, but a handcrafted carbon-fiber body. 2,012 lbs, 351W Injected 560 HP, absolutely beautiful, NO STORIES! $135,000. 3004 miles. View Listing 2005 Ford GT :: $319,995 Single owner Ford GT with all 4 options! McIntosh Sound System, Lightweight forged aluminum wheels, Red painted brake calipers, and the painted racing stripes. We have fully vetted and serviced this car to prepare it for its' new owner. The new owner will receive all associated items with the new car: Car cover, 2 sets of keys and remotes, and tool kit. This car is in excellent mechanical and cosmetic shape and ready to tackle the open road! With the current model Ford GT's selling for over $1 million, this GT is a sure-fire investment for years to come 2004-2006 Ford GT Price, Specs, Photos & Review Inside the driver is treated to the best leather and surround sound by McIntosh. In contrast to every other supercar of that era, the gauges, controls, and ergonomics were top-notch. The supercharged 5.4-liter has a six-speed manual that can be shifted with a pinky finger. While not intended to be a race car, the 2004 to 2006 Ford GT is lauded as the best car of all time by drivers and publications around the world. View Listing 2017 Ford GT :: Call For Price The 2017 Ford GT was only available in a limited-edition Heritage theme honoring the GT40 Mark II driven to victory by Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon at Le Mans in 1966 – part of the historic 1-2-3 Ford GT sweep. The car will feature unique interior and exterior color themes, and an exclusive wheel finish. 2018 Ford GT Specs, Price, Photos & Review “Celebrating the anniversary of Ford’s historic victories at Le Mans has always been a part of the return of the Ford GT,” said Raj Nair, Ford executive vice president, product development, and chief technical officer. “The 2017 Ford GT ’66 Heritage Edition is a stunning tribute to the car that kicked off Ford’s string of Le Mans victories in 1966.” View Listing Examples of the first and second-generation cars are hard to come by, as collectors don't part with them easily. Scarcity is the issue with the late models, with only 500 for each model year. But that doesn't keep us from offering you the world's best cars. Here are a few others for your consideration: 2017 View Listing 2005 View Listing 2018 View Listing 2019 Scott Dixon's personal Ford GT -6-time IndyCar champion - 2008 Indy 500 winner - Ford GTLM 24 Hours of LeMans team driver-Includes all specialty items delivered from new- 44 miles from new- Extremely Rare Carbon package with exposed carbon fiber stripes. Scott Dixon is one of the most successful IndyCar drivers of all time. With 6 combined IndyCar championships to his name, only the legendary A.J. Foyt has more championships than Dixon. Racing for Chip Ganassi and Chip Ganassi Racing for most of his IndyCar career since starting in 2001, Dixon started racing in 1987 with go-karts and moved into Formula V cars at the age of 13. He is also the youngest driver to have a racing license due to loopholes in his original home, New Zealand. Scott Dixon's accomplishments include 6 IndyCar Championships, 2008 Indianapolis 500 winner, 50 race wins in the IndyCar Series, 24 Hour of Daytona overall winner, 24 Hours of Le Mans 2016 3rd place in Ford GTLM, class winner in 2018 at the 24 Hours of Daytona, in addition to overall 24 Hours of Daytona win for 2020. View Listing 2019 View Listing 2006 View Listing There you have the world's best assortment of fast Ford GT for sale. Click the button below for all the latest inventory and stay with us for all your Ford GT news. Sell My Ford GT: Get a Cash Offer Browse Ford GT For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 22, 2020

Ford Mustang Mach-E Joins The Griswolds For A Christmas V...

The late John Hughes will be remembered as one of history's greatest humorists and filmmakers. Burned into our collective consciousness, the Ford Mustang Mach-E has joined the Griswolds for a Christmas Vacation. After being sidelined on the corporate ladder, Clark's one remaining vestige of self-worth was tied to the success of the Christmas lights. 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition Sprints Like A Supercar As a foreshadowing of the Ford's abilities, his wife Ellen connects the Mac-E charger, allowing the batteries to power the display. Ford envisions a future where their cars will help balance the grid and allow you to sell extra power back to the energy company. Deliveries of the Mach-E are happening around the clock, so click the button below to find our dealer near you, and Merry Christmas from duPont REGISTRY! Browse Ford Mustang For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – December 22, 2020

Ford GT Carbon Edition vs Hoonicorn Mustang

Players of Forza Motorsport know not to provoke the beast. Because it offers AWD and 1,400 horsepower, the Hoonigan team decided to film a Ford GT Carbon Edition vs the Hoonicorn Mustang. This special Christmas feature is the ultimate Blue Oval comparison. We have been delighted to see Ken Block line up against diesels, donks, and a 4-rotor Mazda to prove the potency of his car. Now we can see how it fares against the car that won LeMans. Ken Block’s Hoonicorn Mustang Price & Specs With 647 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels, the Ford GT is a supercar by any standard. The opponent has more than twice the power along with 1,250 lb-ft of torque. The real secret is the opposing driver. David Borla is the owner of Borla exhaust, and he has been modifying cars since he could walk. So how do these Fords compare? Tell us which one you would drive in the comments below and stay with us for all your Hoonigan uploads. Browse Ford GT For Sale " width="680"> Hoonicorn and Hoonigan (C) Hoonigan Industries

By Edward Jones – December 18, 2020

Team Fordzilla's P1 Race Car Debuted

The Team Fordzilla P1 has been revealed in full-scale form and it's unlike any Ford vehicle in existence. This new race car had two Ford designers creating it's appearance: Arturo Ariño was in charge of designing the exterior and Robert Engelmann took care of the interior. When designing, the two designers had to include the features that gamers voted to include in a Twitter poll earlier this year. The design itself includes a wide-open rear and a front end that would fit perfectly in an LMP series of the future. Drivers of the Fordzilla P1 race car will be seated in a jet fighter-style canopy filled with LED notifications that inform them of the track status. For the gamers, the designers added a few special touches like the AFK (away from keyboard) message in front of the co-pilot's seat and GLHF (good luck have fun) on the front lower spoiler. See All Ford GTs For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 09, 2020

2021 Ford F-150 Tremor Offers 4WD Excitement

Social distancing is a great way stay safe, and heading offroad is a great way to do it. The 2021 Ford F-150 Tremor offers 4WD excitement, and its the best way to hit the trails. Starting with a SuperCrew, it offers a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 along with a 10-speed automatic. In order to conquer broken terrain, you will have all-new suspension. " width="680"> Taking inspiration from the Raptor, the Tremor arrives with belly pans to protect the drivetrain. They are tucked in close for impressive ground clearance and an approach angle of 27.6 degrees. Unique shocks, springs, and steering gear allow the 33" General Grabbers to devour the trail while you have command of an impressive suite of electronics. The Ford Trail Toolbox includes One-Pedal Drive, Trail Turn Assist, Hill Descent, Trail Control, 360-degree cameras, and multiple driving modes. With a payload rating of 1,885 lbs, this F-150 is everything you need in a new truck. Click the button below to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your Ford news. Browse Ford F-150 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 01, 2020

2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition Sprints ...

Forget everything you thought you knew about electric transportation. The engineers in Dearborn have delivered your new family hauler just in in time for the Holidays, as the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition sprints like a supercar. Take a deep breath and hang on. " width="680"> With two electric motors and a range of 235 miles, you will reach 60 mph in 3.5 seconds...If you want a faster Ford, the Shelby GT500 does the same trick one-tenth faster. Sure, the lesser versions offer more range without the same abilities, but most of us will prefer having 480 horsepower and 634 lb-ft of torque! To celebrate this incredible power, Ford bestowed it with 19" Brembo brakes and 20" machined-face wheels. Magnetic suspension, aluminum-face gauges and Pirelli tires are also onboard. This unprecedented pony is poised to shock the world, so stay with us for all your Ford news. Browse Mustang For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – November 20, 2020

Ford Auto Nights Is The First Virtual SEMA Show

If you have never been to the SEMA show, it is best described as Ford above all others. I was shocked by their floating booth in 2011, an office room suspended in the rafters of the Las Vegas convention center. But the virus had other plans for the show this year, so Ford Auto Nights it the first virtual SEMA show. A series of videos launched last night on YouTube, and we have been introduced to exciting new concepts. " width="680"> Starting with the Bronco, a new Sport model was built by MAD Industries. Going without doors, the Badlands Sasquatch has flared fenders and orange graphics. High voltage excitement can be found in the Mustang Mach-E 1400. Vaughn Gittin Jr. and his team from RTR incorporated seven electric motors and incredible downforce. Ford Performance pulled out all the stops for a Ranger XLT Tremor Supercrew, and the F-150 Limited Hybrid SuperCrew was built by BDS Suspension. Our Ford dealers have the scoop on what the videos don't show, so click the button below to find one near you. Browse Ford Mustang For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 26, 2020

The 2021 Ford Bronco's Build-and-Price Configurator is No...

One of my favorite pastimes is hopping into a car's configurator and designing the car of my dreams. It's exciting to feel like I'm actually designing my next car, but the price tag typically sobers me up. With the new 2021 Ford Bronco build-and-price configurator that just went live, the end result was surprising. This new configurator is a way for the more than 190,000 reservation holders to see what their dream Bronco would cost and look like. However, anyone with an internet connection and some extra time on their hands can configure their Bronco as well-- like me. After picking out my favorite color for the 2-door Bronco Wildtrak Edition - Cactus Gray - and adding in a ton of options, I scrolled down to see the price. For the off-road ready Bronco you see in this article, the estimated price is just over $56,000. In my opinion, that's an awesome price for what I'd consider my off-road dream ride. If you'd like to build your own Bronco and see how the price stacks up, click here. See All Broncos For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 08, 2020

Ford Bronco Overland Concept Is Loaded With Accessories

Broncos of all ages are converging in Townsend, Tennessee this weekend. By all estimates it will be the largest Bronco gathering of all time. That's why owners and aftermarket outfitters we be together to enjoy their favorite 4WD. Earlier this week, a social media post mentioned that dealers would not be charging installation fees for upgrades, and that is why the Ford Bronco Overland concept is loaded with accessories. Your local Ford dealer already has a nice offering of upgrades that can be installed before or after you take delivery. Because Dearborn has the ability to purchase the parts cheaper than anyone else, they are passing the savings along to the customer. Based on the 4-door Badlands Edition, the color scheme is "Area 51". It rides on 35" BFGoodrich Mud Terrains with 17" wheels bolted to their High Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension (H.O.S.S.). The 7-speed manual is a six-speed with a Granny-low crawling gear for attacking tough terrain. " width="680"> Other goodies include tubular bumpers, a Warn winch, and Rigid Pod lights. Inside you are treated to an ARB refrigerator, cooking kit, and stove that stores neatly away. Yakima supplied the 2-person tent that bolts to the factory roof rail crossovers. What you see here will soon be offered at your dealer, so tell us your ideal spec in the comments below. Thanks to Bronco6G for the unveiling and stay with us for all your Bronco news. Browse Ford Bronco For Sale

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